With Walmart’s stock reaching unprecedented heights, Alice Walton, the only daughter of retail magnate Sam Walton, has once again ascended to the title of the world’s wealthiest woman. Holding an estimated fortune of £73 billion ($89.1 billion), she has overtaken Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the L’Oréal heiress, who briefly held the crown earlier this year.

At 74 years old, Alice Walton is not only one of the world’s wealthiest individuals but a powerful symbol of legacy, vision, and influence. Ranked as the 18th richest person globally, her ascent is not solely defined by financial triumphs but by her indelible contributions to art, philanthropy, and health.

A Legacy Built on Family and Fortitude

The Walton family has long dominated the ranks of the world’s wealthiest, owing to their enduring control over Walmart, the global retail powerhouse founded by Sam Walton in 1962. Alice, alongside her brothers Jim and Rob Walton, remains at the forefront of this fortune despite selling over £18 billion ($22 billion) worth of shares in the last decade and donating £9 billion ($11 billion) to charitable causes.

What’s extraordinary is that the Waltons still retain close to 46% ownership of Walmart, largely due to strategic stock buybacks, which have protected the family’s stake from dilution. The fortunes of Alice, Jim, and Rob are nearly intertwined, with her brothers boasting net worths of £79 billion ($95.9 billion) and £77 billion ($94.2 billion), respectively. Together, the Walton clan continues to shape the trajectory of the world’s largest retailer, a family legacy of unshakeable wealth and influence.

From Retail to Art: Alice Walton’s Vision

While her roots lie in retail, Alice Walton’s heart has always been in the arts. After a brief stint at Walmart as a buyer of children’s clothing in the early 1970s, Alice’s true passion emerged: a deep and enduring commitment to the world of art and culture. This love culminated in the founding of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas—an architectural and cultural marvel that has become one of the most significant institutions of its kind in the United States.

Although the £1.3 billion ($1.6 billion) needed to bring Crystal Bridges to life came primarily from family trusts set up in the names of her late brother, John Walton, and mother, Helen Walton, it is Alice’s vision that has transformed Bentonville into a beacon of art. With a collection spanning centuries of American artistry, Crystal Bridges is Alice’s personal masterpiece—a living testament to her devotion to culture and her belief in the transformative power of art.

Philanthropy Beyond Measure

In recent years, Alice Walton has expanded her influence far beyond the museum walls, channelling more than £4.7 billion ($5.7 billion) into five family foundations. Through these entities, she has become one of the most significant philanthropists of our time, distributing over £900 million ($1.1 billion) to various causes—ranging from the arts to education and health.

One of her most notable endeavours is the Art Bridges Foundation, which has invested £302 million ($377 million) in acquiring and loaning works of American art to museums across the US, touching over 230 institutions in the process. This initiative has broadened access to art, making Walton’s cultural philanthropy truly national in its scope.

Her impact is not confined to the world of art, however. Alice Walton’s philanthropic reach extends into healthcare, with the founding of the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, a cutting-edge institution that will open its doors in Bentonville in 2025. This school reflects Walton’s commitment to improving health and well-being, not just locally but on a grander scale.

A Family’s Continued Influence

As Alice Walton steps into the role of the world’s wealthiest woman, her family’s influence on Walmart and beyond continues to be felt. While her brother, Rob Walton, retired from the board after more than four decades of service, the family’s presence in the retail empire remains formidable. Rob’s son-in-law, Greg Penner, now holds the reins as Chairman of the Board, while Steuart Walton, Jim’s son, has stepped up as a board member since 2016.

Together, the Walton family remains at the helm of a global retail giant, a testament to their collective vision, resilience, and commitment to preserving the legacy of their father, Sam Walton.

Passion and Purpose: A Lasting Legacy

Alice Walton’s extraordinary fortune is not simply the result of her association with Walmart; it reflects her unique vision, profound dedication to philanthropy, and passion for culture. Through her personal wealth, she has created institutions, initiatives, and opportunities that enrich the lives of millions, proving that wealth, when combined with purpose, has the power to transform.

Her success is a story of more than financial prosperity—it’s a legacy of empowerment, art, and community. Walton’s commitment to health, well-being, and creativity positions her as one of the most influential women of our time, with a legacy that will endure far beyond the realms of the wealth she has amassed.

For those who measure wealth not just in financial terms but in the impact one leaves on the world, Alice Walton stands as an inspiring and iconic figure—demonstrating that true richness comes from both heart and hand, with a legacy built on passion, purpose, and vision.